BFD - Working Structure Fire *Helmet Cam*

On Scene - 07:30
Helmet Cam - 08:15
- Structure Fire -
05/09/2024 , 4:00pm
Thursday afternoon, BFD A-Shift was dispatched to the 200 block of Lee Road 836 for a reported residential structure fire. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was visible from the roadway and the call was upgraded to a working fire bringing in automatic aid companies to the scene.
Once on the scene, first arriving units encountered extremely poor road conditions that would not allow the apparatus to make it onto the property. Crews made their way down the 1600ft driveway on foot to get a scene size up of the incident and work on a plan for fire attack operations. In the meantime, additional personnel were en-route with smaller fire apparatus that could attempt the driveway. Once crews arrived at the residence, they found a single wide mobile home with heavy fire showing on the charlie/delta sides. Crews made entry with a water can and hand tools to preform a primary search of the residence. The primary search was negative for occupants, and one dog was rescued from the residence. Upon exiting the residence, it was noted that fire was through the roof and shortly after a roof collapse occurred near the center of the structure. Rescue 620 arrived on scene, and firefighters began fire attack operations with an 1 3/4 attack line and 300 gallon booster tank. Shortly after fire attack operations began, a secondary roof collapse occurred on the alpha/bravo corner while firefighters were on the charlie side interior. Command advised all units to exit the structure, and a defensive fire attack was initiated. While establishing a water supply, the culvert of the driveway collapsed causing units to rely on Brush 617 for the remaining fire attack operation. Firefighters operated with an 1 3/4 attack line and 3/4 booster reel for the remainder of the incident. Firefighters also established a water supply by hand stretching approximately 700ft of supply line from the nearest engine, and running a water shuttle operation from the nearest hydrant to the relay engine. Firefighters operated on the scene for three hours before the fire was marked under control. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and the residence was unfortunately a total loss. One occupant was evaluated by EMS on the scene, one dog was rescued, and five animals perished in the fire.
Beulah Fire Department responded with six apparatus, nine personnel, and were on scene for 3 1/2 hours before returning to service. Salem Volunteer Fire Department, Lee County Sheriff's Office Alabama, East Alabama EMS LLC, Lee County, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, and Alabama Power also responded to the scene.